Prairie Village grocery store fixture Frank Bardwell celebrated his 81st birthday on Friday, marking the start of the ninth decade for the area’s most well-loved sacker.

Bardwell has lived and worked in Prairie Village since 1952. His friendly demeanor and penchant for remembering names and faces made him the highlight of many a trip to the Hen House. The store even held a Frank Bardwell Day in the mid-1990s celebrating his service.

Anyone who misses seeing Frank behind the counter can catch him at monthly lunches organized by his daughter Mindy Bardwell Robertson at Cozy’s Cafe, 6740 W. 75 St. The lunches are held the second Friday of every month at 12:30 p.m.

“The more the merrier,” said Mindy of the lunches. “My Dad truly loves the people of Prairie Village like they were all family.”